Oral history interview with Roger Hallingstad, [sound recording], 2006.

ArchivalResource

Hallingstad, Roger, 1932-. Oral history interview with Roger Hallingstad, [sound recording], 2006.

Oral history interview with Roger Hallingstad, [sound recording], 2006.

http://www.worldcat.org/oclc/757935807

Roger D. Hallingstad, a Sparta, Wisconsin native, discusses his Air Force service in Japan during the Korean War and in French Indochina at the end of the First Indochina War. Hallingstad touches on being in the 32nd Reconnaissance Division of the Wisconsin National Guard, helping his brother build experimental aircraft, and enlisting in the Air Force in 1950. While at basic training at Lackland Air Force Base (Texas), he talks about living in cold conditions in tents, receiving no uniforms, and having some tent-mates die of pneumonia. Hallingstad speaks of additional training at MacDill Air Force Base (Florida), aircraft and engine school at Sheppard Air Force Base (Texas), temporary duty working on engines at Chanute Field (Illinois), and volunteering for overseas duty in Japan. He discusses his three-week voyage aboard a troop ship. Hallingstad details his duties related to engine storage at a Far East Air Forces Materiel Command Air Force Base northwest of Tokyo. He mentions that he had been trained to work on R-3350 engines but was not allowed to transfer to do so. Hallingstad remembers seeing a plane crash that killed everyone aboard. In February of 1954, he talks about being told to pack up and report for a "special assignment," being put on an airplane without knowing his destination, arriving at Clark Air Force Base (Philippines), and being put on another plane, still without knowing his destination. Sent to Do Son Air Base near Haiphong (Indochina, now Vietnam), Hallingstad speaks of living conditions: adobe huts, mosquito netting, and open showers. He emphasizes that they were not told anything about combat conditions or the war. Hallingstad explains there was a strict curfew every night and anyone outside would be shot, which happened to a civilian woman one night. He recalls drinking with Foreign Legion paratroopers, journeying into Haiphong, and the tightening of security measures after some Americans were abducted. He portrays his limited exposure to Vietnamese civilians. Hallingstad details the conflict between French and American mechanics, explaining the French had lower quality standards, were disinterested, and would sometimes not show up for work. He speaks of working with C-47s, his limited awareness of the war, and catching a glimpse of "Earthquake McGoon" McGovern, a pilot who was later killed in action. Hallingstad tells of seeing a freezer full of meat flown in but being told that, due to a power failure, they couldn't eat it. He speaks being afraid after being issued a weapon during an alert, despite having to weapons training. After Dien Bien Phu fell on May 7th, he tells of his unit's getting pulled out, giving liquor to their replacements, and having some airplane problems on the flight to the Philippines. Hallingstad lists the promises about promotion, extra pay, and medals that the Army made while he was in Indochina, and which he never received. After returning to Japan, he talks about climbing Mount Fujiyama. Hallingstad reflects on the unpopularity of the conflicts in Vietnam and the unawareness he has encountered about the United States' early presence in Indochina. He relates getting assistance from Tammy Baldwin's office to apply for a "Medal of Indochina" from the French government, which he has yet to receive.

Sound recording : 1 sound cassette (ca. 60 min.); analog, 1 7/8 ips.Master sound recording : 1 sound cassette (ca. 60 min.); analog, 1 7/8 ips.Transcript : 28 p.Military papers : 0.1 linear ft. (1 folder)

Wisconsin Veterans Museum Research Center